The A B Postle Gift commemorates the exploits of professional runner, Arthur Benjamin Postle (1881 – 1965) born at Springside near what is now Pittsworth, Queensland.
He achieved world fame in his crimson costume as ‘The Crimson Flash’, competing in England, Wales, Scotland, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Before going into semi-retirement in 1912, Postle set world records over 50 yards (5.1 seconds), 60 (6 seconds), 75 (7.2 seconds), 80 (7.75 seconds) and 200 (19 seconds), being virtually unbeatable over short distances.
The Postle Gift is run annually over 75 yards during Pittsworth’s Australia Day celebrations. The 2011 event was won in a close finish by Pittsworth Danes’ rugby league footballer, James Ellison.
James received the Postle trophy from George and Pam Postle. This year’s event was also sponsored by Landmark Droney, so in addition he won $500 to be spent in Pittsworth.
The Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce held one of their chief Disaster Appeal fundraising events at Picnic Point on Friday, 28th January.
Toowoomba Grammar 'Old Boys', Graham Turner, Chamber of Commerce President Geoff McDonald and Alan Jones
The venue was fully booked with 440 people in attendance to hear keynote speakers, Flight Centre founder and Managing Director Graham ‘Skroo’ Turner and Australia’s most popular Talkback Presenter and former Wallaby coach and Balmain Rugby League coach, Alan Jones.
Representatives from the Caloundra Chamber of Commerce made a presentation of just under $20,000 to the Disaster Appeal, the funds having been raised by their members.
Toowoomba Hospital Foundation CEO, Peter Rookas acted as auctioneer of goods and services specifically donated for the breakfast, and Allan Jones provided a State of Origin jersey and cap which brought $1,600. The purchaser was businessman John Cooling of SmartWorker who had driven up from Brisbane. Other items included a helicopter flight from Wagners, and charter of a 53 seat Stonestreets coach for a trip to Granite Belt wineries. The auction brought in a further $15,000.
Federal Member, Ian McFarlane caught in serious conversation with Alan JonesAuctioneer, Peter Rookas in action at the Toowoomba Disaster Appeal breakfast(Standing l to r) John McDonald, John Cooling and Alan Jones displaying the State of Origin jersey
While work continues on repairs to significant damage to the Toowoomba Range crossing – both up and down sections – Police and Department Transport Main Roads staff are working to ease the congestion and the delays currently experienced by motorists in the area.
It is anticipated that both lanes on the ‘up section’ of the Range will be open by Sunday, January 30, however work on the down section will continue for several months. This work will necessitate a lane closure at a single point that is expected to cause ongoing delays during this period.
Authorities are advising that Murphys Creek Road is open to all traffic under 5 tonne, and while repairs continue along this road, it presents a viable alternative to the Range crossing.
Strategically placed variable message boards and other advice will continue to provide information on the Murphy’s Creek route option. Police are requesting motorists to be patient and to exercise caution on roads that have suffered damage in the floods and where speed limits have been reduced accordingly.
I am gathering volunteers together to help in Esk, Fernvale and Lowood areas. We have heard from so many people in need, while also have talked to many people who want to help, but have been frustrated by being turned away. We’re trying to bypass the red tape by linking needs and volunteers.
We have a network of volunteer coordinators who can work via Phone, SMS, Facebook and Twitter.
We have a request from Vim Balachandran of the Esk Council. The Esk council has leased a shop and is using it as a distribution centre, but due to staffing issues may need to close it over the weekend. We’re trying to arrange volunteers to sort out donations and keep it open, and continue to give them to people in need.
We have already found around a few people from Brisbane who are moving up and staying in Esk over the weekend to help out, but many more are needed. Vim Balachandran of Esk Council can be contacted on 0417 798 994. Volunteers are asked to arrive at the council office in Esk at 9AM on Saturday and Sunday and every day afterwards.
We have an immediate request for more helpers in Fernvale. – Call 0406 896 713.
We also have precise details for individual families who need help all around the Brisbane Valley, and we are in personal contact with them. If volunteers would like to assist individual families in need, you can contact me on 0411 887 926.
Police are seeking public assistance in obtaining photographs and videos of people caught in the flash flooding which occurred in areas of Toowoomba and the Lockyer Valley on January 10.
During the afternoon a severe and sudden weather event struck the Toowoomba region causing flash flooding and the loss of a number of lives.
Anyone with images or videos is asked to call the Toowoomba Major Incident Room on 4631 6400 between 8am and 4pm to discuss their images or video and to make arrangements for their collection.
Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Crime Stoppers is a charitable community volunteer organisation working in partnership with the Queensland Police Service.
Australia Day is an opportunity to acknowledge those who have worked tirelessly to help make our nation one of the proudest and most prosperous countries in the world. This year in particular, when we’ve seen such devastation in our region and throughout our nation, it is important to recognise those who help the community in so many ways.
Cr McVeigh
Corporate Services portfolio leader and Australia Day Committee Chair, Cr John McVeigh said the winners were to be congratulated, not just for their respective awards, but for what they brought to their communities through their character, their enthusiasm and their countless hours of volunteered time.
Regional Winners
Young Citizen of the Year Award – Sarah-Jane MacDonald
Sports Award – Glen Brown
Cultural Award – William Haupt
Community Group/Event Award – Hampton High Country Food and Arts Festival
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Citizen of the Year – Lois Kelly
Clifton & District
Citizen of the Year Award – Geoffrey May
Sports Award – Sarah Flynn
Cultural Award – Back Plains State School Theatre Restuarant
Community Group/Event Award – Pilton Soldiers Memorial Hall Committee
Crow’s Nest District
Citizen of the Year Award – Helen Stevens
Young Citizen of the Year Award – Lucy Hanson
Sports Award – Wayne Donovan
Cultural Award – Trudy Hintz
Community Group/Event Award – Hampton High Country Food and Arts Festival
Goombungee District
Citizen of the Year Award – Yvonne Turner
Young Citizen of the Year Award – Belinda Iseppi
Sports Award – Barry Campbell
Cultural Award – Dorothy Mair
Community Group/Event Award – Boodua Hall
Greenmount District
Citizen of the Year Award – Iris Bryce
Young Citizen of the Year Award – Annallisa Fiechtner
Sports Award – Brooke Richardson
Sports Award (Junior) – Tom Wainwright
Cultural Award – Tony Parsons
Community Group/Event Award – Cambooya and District Family Fun Day
Highfields & District
A scene typical of Australia Day ceremonies around the nation - Robert Prentice receives his award frm Kerry Shine MP at Highfields Pioneer Village.
Citizen of the Year Award – Robert Prentice
Young Citizen of the Year Award – Matthew Goulter
Sports Award – Haydn Weir
Cultural Award – Peter Harvey
Community Group/Event Award – Highfields Pioneer Village, Australia Day Event 2010
Millmerran District
Citizen of the Year Award – Bridget Hogarth
Young Citizen of the Year Award – Tim O’Dea
Sports Award – Jo Jannusch
Cultural Award – Gary Fogarty
Community Group/Event Award – Millmerran Commerce and Progress Association – Christmas in the Bush
Oakey District
Citizen of the Year Award – Mary Smith
Young Citizen of the Year Award – Renae Radke
Sports Award – Brayden Josephs and Katlin Peterson
Cultural Award – William Haupt
Community Group/Event Award – Museum of Australian Army Flying
Pittsworth District
Zoe Stephenson & Kelly Baker at the Pittsworth Australia Day celebrations
Citizen of the Year Award – Lionel Moore
Young Citizen of the Year Award – Simon Playford
Sports Award – Tiffany Dibley
Cultural Award – Owen Murphy
Community Group/Event Award – Pittsworth and District Campdraft Association Inc
Yarraman District
Citizen of the Year Award – Dale Castle
Community Group/Event Award – Yarraman Over 50’s Club
* The Aileen Noble Volunteers Award was presented to Allan Coltus
In congratulaing award winners, Cr McVeigh said “Through the Australia Day awards, we’ve been able to shine the spotlight on the people and events from around the Toowoomba Regional Council area that have played a significant part over the last year in helping forge the lifestyle we all enjoy.”
The death toll for flood-related incidents in south-east Queensland since January 10 has risen to 22.
This follows the discovery of human remains at Murphy’s Creek on Saturday evening and Lowood yesterday. Detectives and forensic specialists are currently investigating on behalf of the Coroner.
To date 35 people have died as a result of flood-related incidents that have occurred in Queensland since November 30, 2010. The thorough search for people missing from the Lockyer Valley is ongoing.
The condolences of the Queensland Police Service are with the families and friends of these people.
Anyone with information which could assist police with their investigations should contact Crime Stoppers anonymously via 1800 333 000 or crimestoppers.com.au 24hrs a day.
Chris Jensen, Toowomba’s Australia Day Program Co-ordinator, has advised us that Prime Minister Julia Gillard is expected to be present at Picnic Point Park for Toowoomba’s Australia Day Awards Ceremony.
A slight change has been made to the Program to accomodate the Prime Minister’s visit.
Amended Entertainment Rundown for Australia Day 2011.
7.45: Caledonian Pipe Band
8.00: Flag Raising etc. (Toowoomba Municipal Band will play National Anthem)
8.10: (Approximately) Municipal Band Recital
9.00: Cactoblastis. (Main Stage)
9.30: High Altitude Harmony. (Front Stage)
10.00: Bush Poet Peter Riddle. (Front Stage)
10.30: Mosaic Judy Unplugged. (Main Stage)
11.10: Announcements etc.
11.15: Rangila. Hindi Bollywood Dancers. (Front Stage)
11.30: The Webb Ensemble (Main Stage)
12.00: Dance Central (Front Stage)
12.30: Australia Day Awards Ceremony (Address by Prime Minister Gillard, Prime Minister presents William Groom Scholarship and at 12.45pm the Australia Day Awards)
1.00: Walmsley Brothers
2.00: Kelly’s Armour
2.30: James Anderssen
3.00: (Approximately) Close of entertainment
